Vinokourov returns to the peloton

Kazakh Alexandre Vinokourov has made his return to the professional ranks in the the Criterium de Castillon-la-Bataille in France. He was banned for two-years after testing positive for blood doping in a case that rattled the Tour de France to it’s core just one year after the Operation Puerto case broke.

Curiously, Vinokourov took the start line with a jersey absent a sponsor, leaving questions about his return to the Johan Bruyneel Astana team. Instead the Kazakh wore a jersey adorned with a picture of himself and the words “Vino Forever” emblazoned on the front.

The cyclist “assured” doubters that he will be in Astana colors next week in time for the Tour de l'Ain.

He told the press, "It is wonderful to race again. It is as if I was back with my family. My condition is good, but still lack speed. It [the speed] will return.".